A shamed pop singer revealed in court the financial devastation she faced following her conviction for performing a Heil Hitler salute on stage. Melanie Mueller, a German artist, appealed the ruling in a bid to salvage her reputation.
Mueller expressed how her finances took a severe hit, leading to overwhelming debt, reliance on family assistance, and the looming threat of losing her home. She maintained her innocence, denying the allegations of making Hitler salutes during her performance.
Despite her pleas, the Leipzig Regional Court upheld the conviction, focusing on a controversial concert from September 2022. Mueller was accused of repeatedly raising her right arm in a Hitler salute, inciting disturbing chants from the audience.
Prosecutors detailed the unsettling atmosphere at the event, with attendees echoing Nazi slogans in response to Mueller’s actions. The fallout from the incident resulted in a drastic decline in Mueller’s bookings across Europe.
While the appeal court lessened the financial penalties, the conviction remained intact. Judge Karen Aust imposed a series of daily fines on Mueller, taking into account her limited income. Despite efforts for a complete exoneration, the verdict is pending final legal confirmation.
Mueller disclosed her substantial financial burdens, including significant debts to tax authorities and other creditors. She acknowledged the imminent auction of her house in Leipzig due to her financial woes.
The singer’s legal troubles escalated when authorities found drugs during a search of her residence in August 2023, leading to an additional charge of drug possession. Mueller also revealed her struggles as a single parent, citing a lack of financial support from her ex-husband.
While maintaining her stance that the gestures were part of her performance routine, Mueller’s explanations were dismissed by the court. With her music career dwindling, she now earns a modest income working in event planning for a camping and catering company.
Mueller’s income from streaming platforms drastically declined, reflecting the challenges she faces in her professional life.